Clam Dredges May Test Protected New England Habitat Zone
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The government is reviewing a special fishing permit request that would let certain boats fish in areas usually off-limits to protect habitats. This permit supports a project by the Coonamessett Farm Foundation to use clam dredges in the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area. People have until June 8, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could change how some fishing rules apply, but no new fees are mentioned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Temporary Fishing in Closed Habitat
Federally permitted commercial surfclam vessels could be allowed to fish inside the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area (Davis Bank East and Rose and Crown) from July 15, 2026 through September 30, 2026. The request covers up to 4 vessels making up to 64 trips (1–2 days each), using 48-inch hydraulic dredges towed 2–3 knots with about 30 tows per trip and a trip limit of 14 cages.
Vessel Owners Fund Habitat Survey
The compensation fishing is intended to fund a habitat mapping project with a total research budget of roughly $505,000. Participating vessel owners commit 15 percent of the value of each trip to cover research costs, the applicant estimates an ex-vessel value of $30 per bushel, and vessel owners agreed to make up any difference if the price falls below $30 per bushel.
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